Fans Stampede Gates Before Nigeria - North Korea Friendly Match In South Africa
The incident occurred prior to kick off...
Thousands of fans have been involved in a stampede outside a South African stadium prior to a World Cup warm up match between Nigeria and North Korea - which eventually ended 3-1 in favour of the Africans.
The Makhulong stadium in Johannesburg has a capacity of around 10,000 spectators, and upon officials opening the gates to let the supporters into the stadium, a rush occurred, and several people could be seen falling under the ensuing surge.
The police then closed the gates to curtail the push forward, but when the gates reopened a second rush occurred, yet more people fell under the weight of the crowd.
The gates were then closed again and the crowd then dispersed. A policeman was hurt in the crush, and others suffered minor injuries.
The incident has taken place with just five days before the tournament kicks off and African football has an unfortunate past with crowd control.
Update 18:30 CET: FIFA and the World Cup 2010 Organising Committee have issued a statement regarding the unfortunate event - they offered condolences due to the incident, but reassurred fans regarding the upcoming tournament as they explain that they were not involved in planning this particular match.
"FIFA and the Organising Committee (OC) of the 2010 FIFA World Cup have been informed by the South African Police Services (SAPS) about the incidents which have taken place today, 6 June 2010, on the occasion of the friendly match between Nigeria and Korea DPR played in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg," read the release.
.
"FIFA and the OC would like to first wish a prompt recovery to those who have been affected by these incidents. In addition, FIFA and the OC would like to reiterate that this friendly match has no relation whatsoever with the operational organisation of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, for which we remain fully confident. Contrary to some media reports, FIFA had nothing to do with the ticketing of this game."
Update 20:30 CET: South African police services have confirmed that at least 14 civilians have suffered injuries in addition to those sustained by a police officer.
USA Newsweek have reported eyewitness accounts of the incident:
Japhta Mombelo said, "I fell down and people just fell over me. That crowd is overpowering. The police have told me to stay around and they will organize an ambulance."
South African Princess Mbali was also amidst the stampede, saying, "When we were coming in they were just stepping on us. I was at the bottom, I thought I was dying."
Further details are expected to emerge following a police investigation.
Comments